From the Vice-Chancellor - February 2020

Despite the year being in full swing, we're faced with both joys and continuing challenges. The recent rain has brought much needed relief for the bushfire-ravished, and also presented its own challenges. Deakin, like all Australian universities, faces a level of uncertainty in its planning for the academic year because of the continuing impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and associated travel restrictions. We have, from the early stages of the outbreak, ensured that our approach is fully aligned with the Commonwealth and State Department's public health advice. We will continue to take all necessary steps and decisions to minimise the adverse effects on the University community.

In happier news, we recently celebrated our first round of graduations for 2020 and we welcome a further 4000 alumni in to our community of over 280,000. I hope that each Deakin graduate can take a moment to reflect on their achievements. We are proud that we were able to provide the education that has paved the way to their future and the exciting moments that will bring.

We were also delighted to have a number of those in the Deakin Community recognised in the 2020 Australia Day Honours, including Emeritus Professor Brendan Crotty AM, Dean of Deakin's Faculty of Health from 2006 to his retirement in 2019. Congratulations for your outstanding achievements.

Shortly we will commence Trimester 1 and our best wishes to all alumni who are embarking on further studies this year.

Iain

Professor Iain Martin
Vice-Chancellor